Tiny Pink Crab on Pink Birdsnest ?

[gary faulkner]

Had a tiny pink crab hitchhike in on a Pink Birdsnest.

Do you think it's safe?

TIA

[sjfishguy]

when in doubt, throw it out

[Tennyson]

Any pics? Sometimes there are hitchiker crabs that are okay. If its hairy, I'd throw it out, but otherwise, I'd say its a coral crab that doesn't need to be removed, but a picture of it would be very helpful

[gary faulkner]

Gonna try to get a pic a little later.

It's not hairy at all. I think it's going to be ok but I'll see about a pic so I can make sure.

Thanks

[rssjsb]

A picture would help, but I'm willing to bet that what you've got is a commensal acro crab. If so, they're completely harmless and may be beneficial to your coral.

[gary faulkner]

[gary faulkner]

[img]IMG]http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t225/GaryFaulkner/DSCF0758.jpg[/IMG]

[gary faulkner]

[img]IMG]http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t225/GaryFaulkner/DSCF0758.jpg[/IMG][/img]

[gary faulkner]

top

[gary faulkner]

from underneath.

[sjfishguy]

That is no acro crab and those look like polyp eaters to me. Right in the garbage he goes.....

[LeslieH]

That's a Trapezia, an obligate commensal crab on lives on pocilloporid corals. It's harmless and even beneficial to its host.